This morning the Human Rights Campaign marched on Washington DC to protest the DADT policy. And everybody's favorite Lieutenant took a final stand against the military.
Lt. Dan Choi stood next to Kathy Griffin and stated:
“Hello. My name is Lt. Dan Choi. I am being discharged from the US Army because I am gay and dared to say it out loud. Today, I am here on a mission with Capt. Jim Pietrangelo, and we are asking you all to join us. We’re calling you to action because we are at a turning point — a moment in time where talk is no longer enough, and action is required.Equality is not going to happen by itself.You have been told that the President has a plan. But Congressman Barney Frank confirmed to us this week that the President still is not fully committed to repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell this year. And if we don’t seize this moment it may not happen for a very long time. Some may tell you that I am one of the lucky ones. I have been welcomed back by my unit with open arms. And it would be easy for me to stay quiet and hope that change will happen. But what I was taught at West Point and learned in war is — hope is not a strategy. As officers, James and I both find it a dereliction of our moral duty to remain silent while thousands of our brothers and sister are not allowed to serve openly and honestly. Capt. Pietrangelo was honorably discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in 2004 and I will be subject to the same shortly. As officers we are here today fighting for those in the ranks, and we need our Commander in Chief to do the same.Our fight is not here at Freedom Plaza, it is at the White House. We are walking to the White House right now to send the President a message. So…take out your cell phones and your cameras. Document this moment. Join us as together — we make history."
Directly after this awesome call to arms, Choi and several other supporters handcuffed themselves to a fence outside of the White House!!! Robin McGeehee, cofounder of GetEqual.org and co-organizer of the gay march on Washington last fall, organized this protest today. She along with Choi have been arrested.
What a powerful speech and an even more powerful demonstration. Not since the Vietnam war have the American people showed such commitment to a cause! I am impressed by Choi's composure and conviction during this trying time in human rights. He really couldn't have said it better... let's make some history!! (And let's hope Obama can make some more as well)
-Vignette-Noelle Lammott, Fish out of Water Blog Commentator -
"To find out more information about LGBTQ rights, gay marriage, religion and homosexuality, The Bible's stance on gay relationships or the politics around gay mariage please feel free to contact us or book a screening of FISH OUT OF WATER. Please note that a study guide can be downloaded from the "Book A Screening" page atwww.fishoutofwaterfilm.com"
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